Gillard announces millions for research

Date: February 16 2013

The government will spend more than $70 million on three new centres to research cell therapy, autism, eye care in remote communities and workplace safety.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard says the Co-operative Research Centres (CRCs) will bring together researchers, industry, communities and government to produce world-leading research that addresses major challenges in the public and private sectors.

She says the CRC for Alertness, Safety and Productivity will receive $14.5 million to reduce the burden of impaired alertness on the safety, productivity and health of all Australians.

The CRC for Cell Therapy Manufacturing will receive $20 million to help make Australia a world leader in the manufacture of cell therapies. These offer exciting possibilities for a range of previously incurable and difficult-to-treat conditions.

The CRC for Living with Autism Spectrum Disorders will receive $31 million to enhance the lives of individuals with lifelong development disabilities arising from an autism spectrum disorder.

"These projects have been chosen following a competitive, merit based process as part of the 15th selection round of the CRC program. There is $240 million in available funding for Round 16, which closes in June 2013," she said in a statement.

AAP

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